goose491 0 #1 December 14, 2004 Hello all. I'm looking at the Suunto Alti watches and was wondering which would be the all-around best model for skydiving purposes. With Alti functions are The Advisor, the Altimax, the Observer, the S6, the X-lander and the Vector. The Observer has got some funky different face colours. Seems the "white face" whould be easier to read in freefall but the face is smaller on this model. The S6 is all geared up to be used with logbook software for skiing. Anyone know if this tracks info in freefall at all? This model is sensitive to 3ft increments. The Vector seems pretty popular among skydivers. I've seen a number of them. However the newer X-lander is pretty much the same thing but built with carbon fiber and a crystal face for extra durability. Anyhoo, if anyone has any pointers or suggestions about the different features of these different models, or even just which ones are easiest to read, please chime in. As it stands, I'm thinking the X-lander is the best bet. What with it having the larger of the two face-sizes and having the added durability. Thanks, Nick My Karma ran over my Dogma!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #2 December 14, 2004 Forum Search ResultsArrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr2mk1g 10 #3 December 14, 2004 I have the observer. It's a bit of a pain to say the least to read it in freefall – if that’s your primary concern then go for one of the other models. I simply went for the observer as it’s (IMO) the nicest looking and I was simply after something that I could wear in place of my Omega, which I felt guilty about knocking around. As for their use at all, they do work and I can see it if I focus on it… that's if I haven’t knocked a button and put it into barometer or compass setting half way down of course. My main worry is that I can produce several thousand ft. changes in altitude by simply blowing into the sensor. Putting my mouth over the side of the watch and sucking gently makes me jump 8000ft! If I can do that with my mouth God knows what 120mph wind will do to the altitude it reads. All I have to do is turn my wrist and the sensor faces downwards... suddenly I'm low... or am I? I've also not done a jump yet where the watch read the same on the ground both before and after going up... although this difference is never more than a few dozen ft. so I guess no less of a change than any other alti. To be blunt, I don't think any of these models are sufficiently reliable to be used as a primary altitude device (well... secondary to your eyes at least). That said they are cool toys that can produce interesting info on climb rate and will log certain info about the number of ascents you make. If you're in the market for a watch and you happen to be a skydiver I would certainly recommend them... they are very nice watches afterall. But as an alti? Well, I'll leave that recommendation to those with more exp than me; personally I'll be sticking to my good old analogue one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stumpy 284 #4 December 14, 2004 Just FYI, I have a vector and a mate has the X-Lander, and my vector has lasted way better than his. And than includes a year (well 8 months anyway) of working on a beach with it and lots of abuse. Mine is pretty battered but still working well. In his the strap has perished, and the body is looking pretty manky. (Oh and the rubber vector strap fits over a wetsuit as well - but thats probably not a consideration for most!) As far as jumping goes, i don't use mine as a primary in freefall, i prefer the easy to read at a glance analogue for that, but i have used it to measure heights lost in turns and the like under canopy for which it seems pretty accurate. opinions may vary though. Or you could get a neptune......Never try to eat more than you can lift Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #5 December 14, 2004 QuoteMy main worry is that I can produce several thousand ft. changes in altitude by simply blowing into the sensor. Putting my mouth over the side of the watch and sucking gently makes me jump 8000ft! You can do that with any altimeter. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuckbrown 0 #6 December 14, 2004 Save your money and go with the High Gear Summit. It's around $150 and will read altitude at 3 sec. intervals. I use one for CRW and I know of people who use it for freefall with no problems. It's got a big face, so it's easy to see. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TALONSKY 0 #7 December 14, 2004 QuoteSave your money and go with the High Gear Summit. It's around $150 and will read altitude at 3 sec. intervals. I use one for CRW and I know of people who use it for freefall with no problems. It's got a big face, so it's easy to see. I would not think that once every 3 seconds would be that great for skydiving. It may work well for CRW but I would not trust it for freefall. I know the Sunnto Vector samples three time a second if altitude is changing rapidly. I would suggest saving your money and buying a Neptune. I find the problem with the Sunnto is that it is mounted on your wrist so floppy sleaves will cover it up. Where as a regular alti is on your hand. Kirk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
usskydiver 0 #8 December 14, 2004 I have a suunto vector and the instructions specifically DO NOT recommend it for skydiving. I know some base jumpers who use it for that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #9 December 14, 2004 Why not go with a skydiving altimeter? SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whatever 0 #10 December 14, 2004 QuoteThe S6 is all geared up to be used with logbook software for skiing. Anyone know if this tracks info in freefall at all? This model is sensitive to 3ft increments yo Nick you forgot the X6 - alot like the S6, just not geared toward skiing. I have an X6, it logs freefall data, the smallest intervals it will log are 2 seconds, so it's OK for my wingsuit flights as a secondary data logger, as it does not time out at 199sec like my ProTrack does. I don't generally use it as a primary alti, the refresh and sample rate on most Suuntos are to slow for my liking for that. It supposed to be 3ft accurate on altitude, which comes in handy for me. don't bother getting any of the -HRM models, the heart rate monitors on these things are really primitive and WILL pick up all kinds of radio waves and think they're from the HRM transmitter. And since your in my area, check EuropeBound as well as the MEC, each have better prices than teh other on varied models. my 2 cents cya sam soon to be gone Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #11 December 14, 2004 I use the Vector, which I believe is the cheapest. I liked the display the best... Many of the more expensive watches have displays that don't have much contrast, and I worry about them in certain lighting conditions. Also, some of the more expensive ones use a smaller font when in altimeter mode. I've found the Vector works really quite well. _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #12 December 14, 2004 QuoteWhy not go with a skydiving altimeter? Damn good question."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #13 December 14, 2004 QuoteQuoteWhy not go with a skydiving altimeter? Damn good question. I guess no one has an answer!My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peterk 0 #14 December 14, 2004 I think my Advisor is the best money I've spent in BASE, except for my Han-Wag boots. Makes ladder climbs, unknown crane climbs, etc much better. For skydiving, I don't think it is anywhere near accurate, or at least doesn't measure, or update, nearly fast enough. Just my thoughts.--------------- Peter BASE - The Ultimate Victimless Crime Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ypelchat 0 #15 December 14, 2004 QuoteQuoteThe S6 is all geared up to be used with logbook software for skiing. Anyone know if this tracks info in freefall at all? This model is sensitive to 3ft increments yo Nick you forgot the X6 - alot like the S6, just not geared toward skiing. I have an X6, it logs freefall data, the smallest intervals it will log are 2 seconds, so it's OK for my wingsuit flights as a secondary data logger, as it does not time out at 199sec like my ProTrack does. I don't generally use it as a primary alti, the refresh and sample rate on most Suuntos are to slow for my liking for that. It supposed to be 3ft accurate on altitude, which comes in handy for me. don't bother getting any of the -HRM models, the heart rate monitors on these things are really primitive and WILL pick up all kinds of radio waves and think they're from the HRM transmitter. And since your in my area, check EuropeBound as well as the MEC, each have better prices than teh other on varied models. my 2 cents cya sam the Protrack actually stops recording a jump after 119 seconds. Yves. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whatever 0 #16 December 15, 2004 doh! typo. I meant to type 119, it's not like I'm quite capable of exceeding 199 secs from 14 500 ft in my S3 yet.... thanks for the catch soon to be gone Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Liemberg 0 #17 December 15, 2004 QuoteI guess no one has an answer! Why go for "easy" if "complicated" is possible? "Whoever in discussion adduces authority uses not intellect but memory." - Leonardo da Vinci A thousand words... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goose491 0 #18 December 15, 2004 QuoteQuoteI guess no one has an answer! Why go for "easy" if "complicated" is possible? Guess I'll have to provide a response huh? I've Got one My Karma ran over my Dogma!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goose491 0 #19 December 15, 2004 Hey What's up Sam? Long time no see! You going to Port on Thursday? Thanks for the input man. Talk to ya. Nick My Karma ran over my Dogma!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerry81 10 #20 December 15, 2004 QuoteQuoteQuoteWhy not go with a skydiving altimeter? Damn good question. I guess no one has an answer! Well, my personal answer to that would be "because I've been doing fine without an altimeter for some time now, and I've been thinking about getting a wristwatch, and since I'm a gadget freak and love watches that do other stuff than just show the time, and if I can get one that shows altitude as well and can be used more or less successfully in skydiving-what more could I want?" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goose491 0 #21 December 15, 2004 Hey Jerry. Do I take this to mean that you've been jumping without a primary alti? What have you been doing? Just relying on audibles? (don't flame, i don't mean relying relyin... lol... but no alti at all?) My Karma ran over my Dogma!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerry81 10 #22 December 15, 2004 Yes, no 'primary' altimeter. My eyes, sense of time and audible seem to work well enough for freefall, although I do occasionally wear my Neptune on my hand if I'm doing canopy control jumps. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #23 December 15, 2004 Your PRIMARY altimeter is your eyes. It doesn't take long to calibrate your eyes to recognize altitude, especially near pull time which is all that really matters. Altimeters fail, eyeballs don't. I have a lot of skydives w/o any type of altimeter. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fundgh 0 #24 December 16, 2004 Would you venture to Hypothosize that incidents that stem from altitude awareness have nothing to do with having an altimeter. I mean, if you lose awareness, its not like you looked at the ground for reference and couldn't decide if you were low or not. The only time I have lost altitude awareness it was my visual on the ground that caught my attention. I had an x6 for a few jumps, and can see how it would be useful under canopy, but I didn't really look at it during freefall. Not to mention I was wearing it in addition to my normal alti so having a watch on non-normal wrist was odd. The log book software was a little tough to use, and I was not a fan of it. I ended up selling it on Ebay for what I bought it for. But I did think the x6 had a better display than the Vector. IMHO....FUN FOR ALL! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goose491 0 #25 December 16, 2004 Quote And since your in my area, check EuropeBound as well as the MEC, each have better prices than teh other on varied models. Hey Sam, Ah, I didn't quite get this part. What are you saying I should do here? lol. My Karma ran over my Dogma!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
